HISTORY OF GENTLE TOUCH ™ REFLEXOLOGY
The Gentle Touch™ Technique is a gentle, subtle and refined adaptation of an age-old practice of Reflexology. The whole approach of the Technique is designed to enhance the client’s own healing ability by using a very soothing massage. Gentle Touch™ Reflexology is a slightly different to "standard Reflexology" as it uses a unique and specifically applied lightness of touch with all the benefits of reflexology and more!
Reflexology, in its traditional form, dates back to the times of all the ancient cultures, including the ancient Egyptians, North American Indians and Chinese. It was reintroduced in the 1900’s, when Dr. William Fitzgerald, (an American ear, nose and throat surgeon) discovered that pressure applied to one part of the body (foot) could affect another area, and produce a significant reduction in pain. This discovery was further developed with the use of extremely hard pressure applied to the hands or feet to obtain relief from pain. The method was expanded a few years later by Eunice Ingham, who devised the basic reflexology map of the body, which is still the basis for techniques in use today.
The extensive use of the Gentle Touch™ Technique has shown that it’s subtle application has extremely effective results. Over the years it has become increasingly obvious that the effectiveness of the gentle technique is in the essential nature of the subtle approach. The more gentle the application,, the more powerful the technique becomes.
REFLEXOLOGY
Every area of the body has an associated reflex point on the foot that reflects the condition of an individual area, organ or system of the body. This can provide valuable diagnostic information for the Practitioner and client. The diagnostic ability of the Gentle Touch™ Technique is not to be confused with a medical diagnosis from a doctor or consultant. The diagnostic qualities are proven in the use of the Technique to identify reflex points and systems that are not working to peak efficiency. No guarantee is ever made to locate every disorder, but consistent results prove the effectiveness of this therapy as a diagnostic aid.
TREATMENT.
A treatment of Reflexology using the Gentle Touch™ Technique lasts for approximately one hour. On the first visit, the client is asked for some basic details about their health, and then settled comfortably into a reclining chair. The Practitioner uses a very light oil to gently massage both feet. The treatment feels like an extremely light, pleasurable and soothing foot massage with no pain or major discomfort. Contrary to some people’s expectations it does not tickle or hurt.it is a lovely foot massage that is particularly good for you.
The Practitioner will assess the feet to give indications of how best to help the client and then gently massage all areas of the feet. The Practitioner will be feeling for minute variations in the foot, skin, and tissue. Practitioners will vary their treatment according to information gained from the client and observations of the feet, (including shape, temperature, colour and general appearance).
Some clients find the treatments so relaxing that they go to sleep, whilst others take the opportunity to talk. All clients are encouraged to have a rest in the chair after the treatment, to allow the healing to continue before they leave to continue their lives. Sometimes relaxing music may be played during their rest.
POTENTIAL
There are potentially no limits as to the effectiveness of treatments, however again it is stressed that no promises are ever made to "cure" a condition. Experience has shown that some startling results can be achieved. People have found a wide range of benefits including:
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ü Greater flexibility |
ü Ease and mobility |
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ü Comfort and relaxation |
ü Suppleness |
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ü Increased confidence |
ü Sense of well being |
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ü Pain relief ü Faster recovery ü Peace and contentment |
ü Strength ü Improved immune system ü Enjoyment
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¨ Aches and Pains |
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Lack of energy. |
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¨ Anxiety |
¨ M.E. |
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¨ Arthritis. |
¨ Migraine. |
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¨ Asthma. |
¨ Multiple Sclerosis. |
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¨ Bowel conditions. |
¨ Neck and Back injuries |
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¨ Chest complaints |
¨ Non specific ailments |
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¨ Fatigue |
¨ Pregnancy problems |
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¨ Grief and Depression. |
¨ Sinus conditions |
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¨ Head Aches |
¨ Skin conditions |
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¨ Hormonal disturbances |
¨ Sporting injuries. |
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¨ Hyperactivity. |
¨ Stress. |
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¨ Joint pain. |
¨ Trauma. |
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The list is practically endless. In addition, many find that this technique can help them in how they feel about themselves and their lives. They report feeling greater self-confidence and an inner peace.
RESEARCH
Hospital research demonstrated the validity of both the diagnostic and remedial claims that were being made for the techniques, and a research programme has been undertaken in a Cardiff Hospital
THE GENTLE TOUCH™ TECHNIQUE.
There are some differences between the Gentle Touch of Reflexology™ and some other forms of Reflexology. Gentle Touch Reflexology™ uses the following to enhance the benefits, experience and results of this therapy
¨ The extreme lightness of touch.
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¨ Use of oil.
¨ Treating both feet at one time to achieve ongoing harmony.
¨ Using the way the body actually works when treating the client.
¨ Using the skill of the Practitioner to pick up information, rather than requiring the client to express or show pain/discomfort before being able to assess where problems lie. (The Practitioner is a constant, whereas client pain perception levels vary.)
¨ It is a very soothing and effective foot massage that assists clients emotionally, physically and with energy levels
The emphasis with the use of this Technique is in high standards of training. This is especially important. The Gentle Touch™ Technique of Reflexology training courses are intensive and thorough, and give students and Practitioners an extensive and wide range of knowledge.
The Sue Ricks School of Complementary Therapies offers a variety of training courses. The School is affiliated to the Institute for Complementary Medicine. (I.C.M.) and the course is accredited to the Association of Reflexologists (AoR). Practitioners who qualify through the School may apply to the Institute to be registered on the British Register of Complementary Practitioners (BRCP) and apply to become a member of the Association of Reflexologists (
MAR
) following successfully passing all necessary examinations and fulfilling the necessary criteria.
TRAINING COURSES IN THE GENTLE TOUCH™ OF REFLEXOLOGY
The Sue Ricks School of Complementary Therapies offers high level Practitioner Diploma training in the Gentle Touch™ of Reflexology Technique providing students with a full and professional course on all aspects of this unique skill. The course includes detailed, practical understanding and application of the Technique, anatomy and physiology, personal and communication skills, nutritional and health advice for clients, business management, and associated skills required to become a competent, safe and effective Practitioner. The school also offers an on going helpline that is available for all students and qualified Practitioners.
The school is affiliated to the Institute for Complementary Medicine. (I.C.M.) and the course is also accredited by the Association of Reflexologists (AoR). Students can apply to take Examinations with both organisations and when successful can gain two high level qualifications (
MAR
and BRCP).
For further information on training courses please contact Sue Ricks or send a s.a.e. for a prospectus.
Additional courses available for qualified reflexologists include:
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· Foot reading and visual diagnosis |
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· Energy linking and chakra balancing through the feet |
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Other courses also available on a variety of subjects including Reiki, NLP, Hopi Ear Candles and Feng Shui
Sue Ricks School |
PRACTITIONER DIPLOMA COURSE
COURSE CONTENT
Subjects covered include:
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· Reflexology · Gentle Touch of Reflexology™ Technique. · History of Reflexology. · Background to the Gentle Touch of Reflexology™. · Reflex point locations. · Understanding reflex points. · Reflex point interpretations. · Practical hands on work. · Scope of Reflexology. · Limitations and Cautions. · Contra-Indications. · Visual diagnosis. · Use and recognition of reflex points. · Links and connections between reflex points. · Reactions & responses to treatments. · Physiological effects of Reflexology. · Psychological effects of treatments. · Theory of Reflexology. · Research and clinical trials. · Anatomy and Physiology. · Initial Consultation and Case history. · Treatment notes. · Record keeping. · Case history analysis. · Client/ client care. · Clinical practice. · Practice management. · Supervised clinical practice. · Management of specific diseases and conditions. · Personal safety. · Practitioner conduct. · Health and safety. |
· Reflexology and Pregnancy. · Associated skills and applications. · Working with babies and children. · Common usage drugs. · Client visits. · Blood pressure. · First Aid. · Communication Skills. · Inter-personal skills. · Nutrition. · Food sensitivity. · Common diseases and disorders. · Hygiene. · Relaxation techniques. · Visualisation. · Understanding Vibrational Medicine. · Introduction to vitamins and minerals. · Introduction to crystals. · Book keeping and taxation. · Setting up in business. · Insurance. · Reflexology and the law. · Publicity, lectures and talks. · Study techniques. · Examination Techniques. · Mock examinations · Reflexology organisations. · Practitioner safety. · Guided home study. · Home practical work ( Help line available). · Prepare and complete Reflexology portfolio folder. · Completion 60 (minimum) home treatments. |
Examinations can be taken for the AoR and
ICM
at the end of the course, therefore gaining two qualifications.
The School reserves the right to make alteration to the course content as appropriate.
For more information visit our website: www.suericks.com
(: 01509 214373 Or email: suericks@suericks.com